EVENT DATE : 18 JULY, 5 PM IST
Backing of Uniform Civil Code by Delhi High Court has once again stirred the polarising debate. While on one hand many feminists, economists and development scientists welcome it as a step towards getting rid of misogynistic and regressive practices sanctioned under various religious personal laws, others decry it as a threat to India’s diversity and an encroachment on the right to religious freedom guaranteed in the constitution.
Many recommend an incremental approach instead of a broad sweep, but it’s defenders argue that lack of progress in past 75 years proves that incremental approach has failed. Yet a top-down imposition of personal laws without a broad consensus raises concerns of communal tensions.
We believe there should be a rhetoric-free rational public debate on the need for Uniform Civil Code and whether India is ready for it.